http://www.tmz.com/2010/11/28/leslie-nielsen-dead-dies-naked-gun-police-squad-airplane/

He was also the 3rd-billed star in the groundbreaking sci-fi classic, Forbidden Planet. He was OK in drama but excelled in comedy, and for straightfaced goonery, only a very few could beat him. RIP.

It's not hard to compare Nielsen to Steve Martin. Although I think Nielsen's background in straight drama added a lot to his ability to pull off some really funny shit.

And don't call me Shirley.  :P